On the High Seas?

[Rapido925M]

When I drive between Croatia and Slovenia I know that I enter/leave the Schengen Area almost instantaneously.

But what happens when I sail from Portsmouth to Bilbao/Santander?
Especially if I use the Sunday sailing where there is a crew-change in France followed by a considerable cruise in French waters?

I'm guessing that we enter Schengen on the north coast of Spain and leave it in the same place; however, a knowledgeable response would be appreciated.

I KNOW some folk will say "don't worry; they will have more important things to check" and I appreciate that some may say "we'll only know around 31st Dec" but I'm hopeful that someone, probably with legal knowledge, will be able to provide a definitive answer without having to rely on the up-coming negotiations.

TIA - Gordon

 

[PeteH]

I suspect that actually, no one knows. We are entering uncharted waters, as before we went into the Common Market. Schengen did not exist. One would hope that there would be no issues, as IMHO there would be no benefit to either those travelling nor to those having to carry out any "checks"

 

[Brains]

Whilst out at sea, beyond territorial waters the rules of the flag state of the ship apply

 

[TheBig1]

you enter and leave via the port of entry/exit border control

 

[Rapido925M]

you enter and leave via the port of entry/exit border control

So I leave UK when I pass through the gates at Portsmouth and enter Spain (Schengen) when they look at my passport in Bilbao?

Whilst out at sea, beyond territorial waters the rules of the flag state of the ship apply

Does Brittany Ferries sail under the French flag? IF SO, have I entered Schengen when I drove up the loading ramp or when it leaves UK waters?

I imagine the difference might only account for 1 day but if a limit of 90 days is imposed, I'd rather leave after 89 than find that I've been "in" for 91 days.

Gordon

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[Brains]

Does Brittany Ferries sail under the French flag? IF SO, have I entered Schengen when I drove up the loading ramp or when it leaves UK waters?

I imagine the difference might only account for 1 day but if a limit of 90 days is imposed, I'd rather leave after 89 than find that I've been "in" for 91 days.

The Brittany ferries fleet all fly the French flag.

Which means you are under UK jurisdiction until you leave territorial waters which is 3 miles offshore, so about 20 minutes after you have left port.

Thereafter you operate under French jurisdiction, with the Captain acting as judge and jury. Hence he has the right to marry you, bury you at sea, or make you walk the plank (I understand options rarely used on the French Flag fleet these days)

However being on a French flagged ship is not the same as entering France (or Spain), that happens when you go through the border post in the arrival port and have your passport stamped.

All border authorities have the right to reject you, and and send you back, you never 'entered' the country despite landing at the port/airport.

 

[TheBig1]

So I leave UK when I pass through the gates at Portsmouth and enter Spain (Schengen) when they look at my passport in Bilbao?



Does Brittany Ferries sail under the French flag? IF SO, have I entered Schengen when I drove up the loading ramp or when it leaves UK waters?

I imagine the difference might only account for 1 day but if a limit of 90 days is imposed, I'd rather leave after 89 than find that I've been "in" for 91 days.

Gordon

exactly that, the entry into the country, ie Spain is at the border post in the port. Whilst at sea you are in international waters, ignoring territorial waters at 3 miles offshore

you only enter schengen at the border at the edge of european border of the country

 

[Speve]

The transition period does not end until 31/12/2020 so it won’t matter anyway.?